Abstract: A surveillance system for use in a checkout stand counter and the like, comprises: a camera mounted near the floor of the checkout stand counter; a monitor mounted to the checkout stand counter and positioned for convenient viewing by a cashier working at the checkout stand counter; and, constraints defining an aisle adjacent to the checkout stand counter for shopping carts moved alongside the checkout stand counter, whereby the surveillance system displays any objects on a lower tray of the shopping carts moved through the aisle. The checkout stand counter can comprise a numerical keyboard and the monitor can be positioned adjacent to the numerical keyboard, whereby the monitor is in a position giving an appearance of being associated with operation of the numerical keyboard.